Global Warming is a term that describes unusual weather patterns in the earth’s atmosphere. Some of these patterns include over 3,000 high-temperature records across the United States and temperatures exceeding the 20th century average. Secaucus along with the entire state of New Jersey has endured a week of temperatures above 100 degrees this summer. Last spring was the warmest ever recorded in our country.

Super storm Sandy was considered by some to be a rare rogue storm, but with the steady increase in temperatures, we can expect more of these severe storms. Scientists tell us that the increase in temperatures of the surface of our oceans would saturate the atmosphere with vapor, causing more frequent rain and flooding and stronger more violent storms, which is exactly what we are seeing around the world. If temperatures continue to rise it could adversely affect the ecosystem.

The heat not only means more storms, but in some parts of the world, including the southwestern U.S., it also means droughts. Last year a drought in the south west caused 30 percent of crops to be in very poor condition.

While our temperatures topped 100 degrees here, Death Valley reached 129. Tornado and flash flood warnings have already been issued this year. Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota broke state records for heavy snowfall last winter. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas had a colder March than January. Mississippi had a hailstorm resulting in $275 million dollars in damage. Arkansas experienced this first ever snowfall in early May and Nebraska and Iowa had the heaviest snowfall on record that spring. Oklahoma endured a record-breaking 2.6 mile wide tornado while Chicago, Iowa, and Michigan had the wettest April on record. A fast moving wildfire killed 19 firemen in Arizona. This is just a glance at extreme weather this year.

Extreme weather events are believed to be connected as a result of global warming. Here in town we are working toward creating a more resilient community. We are taking strides to invest in clean energy techniques and at the same time protect ourselves against severe weather. We can all commit to reducing energy consumption.

We all noticed how our air conditioner bills increased during the heat wave, using excess energy on cooling cause brownouts or blackouts in some communities. Some ways you could help reduce energy use is by insulating windows and unplug unused appliances. It does make a difference for the environment and energy costs.

Grow a garden in your backyard. You would be surprised how much energy it takes to grow food and transport them to local supermarkets. Imagine how much of a difference it would make to grow a garden in your backyard. Don’t forget about making it organic, pesticides and herbicides are very damaging to the environment including out water supply.

Calculate your household’s carbon footprint. There are many carbon footprint calculators online that can help your family reduce your carbon footprint.

Lastly, educate others about what you’ve learned. Share best practices and help other reduce their carbon footprint. Standing up to climate change will take community effort.

Everyone gave a helping hand during hurricane Sandy. Let’s put our efforts together before another disaster happens. Call my office at 201-330-2005 for more information on global warming and what we can do to protect our community.